Talib says he wanted to play football but Crabtree came for 'extra stuff'

Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib is facing a two-game suspension from the NFL for fighting with Raiders receiver Michael Crabtree in Week 12. Talib claims that Crabtree initiated the incident.

“I came out there to play football on Sunday and I don’t really know what he came out there to do,” Talib said Monday. “I came out there to play football and he came out here on this extra stuff, so one thing led to another. It’s unfortunate and I wish it didn’t happen, but it happened. Just have to move on.”

Talib is appealing his suspension and the league is expected to make a final ruling by 4 p.m. MT on Tuesday. The Pro Bowl cornerback is hoping the suspension will be reduced because he did not start the fight.

“I hope the league sees basically how it started and sees I didn’t come out there to fight and wrestle with him” Talib said. “I just hope the league sees that.”

If Talib’s suspension holds, Denver will likely activate cornerback Marcus Rios from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.